February beef, pork and lamb export report

The positive trend for U.S. beef and pork exports continued in February, with an increasingly large portion of total U.S. production going to international customers while returning more revenue to America’s red meat industry, according to statistics compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

For the month of February, 27 percent of U.S. pork production was sold outside of the U.S. with the incremental value of exports reaching $51.48 per head – versus 25.2 percent and $43.81 last year. Total pork exports jumped 15 percent in value and 8 percent in volume versus February 2010 totals.

At the same time, U.S. beef exports in February accounted for 12.9 percent of total production versus 10.6 percent last year at this time, and the incremental value of beef exports per head of fed slaughter reached $182.12, compared to $126.50 last year. For the month, total beef exports were up 47.2 percent in value and 25 percent in volume over year-ago levels.

Exports of U.S. lamb continue to be higher in volume but lower in value versus year-ago levels. Two-month totals show 2,621 metric tons exported (25 percent increase versus 2010) valued at just under $4 million, a 10 percent dip. Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean are the top export markets.